New research from the University of Birmingham and German scientists has revealed a serious heart risk tied to anabolic steroid use, especially among young men.
The study, published in The Journal of Physiology, found that these muscle-building drugs could raise the chances of developing a heart condition called atrial fibrillation, a problem with the heart’s rhythm that can lead to serious complications.
Anabolic steroids are lab-made versions of testosterone, the main male sex hormone. They’re often used by bodybuilders and gym-goers to quickly gain muscle. With platforms like TikTok promoting muscular physiques, more young people are turning to these substances without fully understanding the health dangers.
The researchers focused on a heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, or ARVC for short. ARVC affects the cells that hold heart muscles together.
When these cells are weak, the heart can become unstable, which may lead to irregular heartbeats or even sudden death. This condition is more common in men, and the study shows that using anabolic steroids can make it worse.
In lab experiments, the scientists gave anabolic steroids to heart cells for six weeks. They discovered that the steroids damaged the connections between cells and weakened sodium channels—tiny pathways that help carry electrical signals in the heart.
When these signals slow down, the heart’s rhythm can become abnormal. This is how steroid use could trigger atrial fibrillation, especially in people who already have a genetic risk for heart problems.
Dr. Laura Sommerfeld from UKE Hamburg led the study and warned that even a short period of steroid use could harm heart tissue. Professor Larissa Fabritz, another researcher involved in the study, added that high testosterone levels—whether from natural sources or steroids—could worsen diseases like ARVC and lead to dangerous heart rhythm changes.
This research is important because it highlights a lesser-known risk of steroid use. While the physical side effects of steroids, such as acne or liver damage, are more widely discussed, the impact on the heart is often overlooked.
Many young men may not realize they could be putting themselves at risk for serious heart issues, especially if they have underlying conditions they don’t know about.
With the rise of social media trends that glorify extreme fitness and rapid muscle growth, more people are experimenting with steroids without medical supervision. This study serves as a strong reminder that these drugs are not without danger.
If you’re concerned about your heart health, it’s important to know that other everyday habits can also affect your heart rhythm. For instance, recent studies have shown that certain herbal supplements may be harmful, while foods like eggs, yogurt, and apple juice may actually support heart health.
The takeaway from this research is clear: anabolic steroids may build muscle, but they can also damage your heart—especially if you’re already at risk. Staying informed and making safer choices is key to protecting your health in the long run.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies about a big cause of heart failure, and common blood test could advance heart failure treatment.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about a new way to repair human heart, and results showing drinking coffee may help reduce heart failure risk.
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